2010 New Zealand - Ultra-Fast Broadband

BuddeComm’s annual publication, New Zealand - Ultra-Fast Broadband provides a detailed overview and analysis of the emerging Ultra-Fast Broadband Network. Statistics and further analysis on the Internet, broadband, Digital Economy, Digital Media and wireless broadband sectors of the New Zealand telecommunications markets are also detailed.

Broadband market

Broadband uptake continued by 14% in 2009 which was above the OECD average, a trend that is likely to continue through to 2010/11, by which time fibre-based services will be more widely available. Information on the key broadband providers as well as broadband statistics and forecasts to 2010 is detailed in the publication.

Wireless Broadband

While DSL continues to be New Zealand’s most common broadband connection type (77%), there is a notable trend toward mobile broadband connections. Over the 15-month period from March 2008 to June 2009, the number of subscribers with cellular, cable or satellite connections climbed by 53% to reach 220,000.

Broadband subscribers – annual change by technology – 2005 - 2010

(Source: BuddeComm based on company data)

Notes: ¹ Datacards, cable, and satellite subscribers.

NGNs and FttH

Information and analysis of developments relating to the current NGNs and FttH includes details of regional and local initiatives around the country. Information on VDSL2 including the launch of wholesale services by Telecom in late 2009 is also provided.

Ultra-Fast Broadband Network

The New Zealand Government has given further details on the policies it announced earlier in 2009 regarding its $1.5 billion investment in a national ultra-fast broadband network. The plan has received widespread support. Based on a wholesale-only open network the new infrastructure will set the country up for the new direction that is being taken in telecommunications - from a telephone, and in recent times an Internet network, to essential infrastructure for a range of other economic and social sectors including the development of e-government, e-commerce and digital media.

The government has also committed to partnering with the private sector to accelerate the rollout of close to $3.5 billion for an ultra-fast broadband service to 75% of New Zealanders within the next ten years. The government’s commitment to New Zealand will create a booming ICT industry based on the services being able to be developed and delivered using the Ultra-Fast Broadband Network.

In this publication we draw attention to the importance of looking across sectors to create synergy. The New Zealand Government is expected to launch its trans-sector policies for the UFB. We discuss a new approach, which applies across infrastructure projects, and look at the potential synergies between the building of roads, sewerage systems, water and gas pipe networks, as well as telecoms and electricity networks.

Digital Economy and Digital Media

Digital economy and digital media companies are playing an increasingly important role in the telecommunications markets. An overview on the digital economy and digital media markets in 2009, including updates and information on the e-health and e-learning markets. A snapshot of the current status of the smart grid market, smart homes and smart meter debate is provided with information on renewable energy products and where the market may trend in 2010. Information on the latest offerings in the mobile TV market is highlighted.

Data in this report is the latest available at the time of preparation and may not be for the current year.